Stanhope's poster launch

Our esteemed leader has informed us that, once again, the Australian Science Festival is coming to Canberra.

And how did he do this? By launching the poster today. Opening of an envelope anyone?

Besides unveiling the poster, he told us that “this year’s program was a reminder of the extent to which science can illuminate our everyday lives”.

For more information about the festival, running from August 13 to 21, have a look at their website.
Stanhope’s release is below.

CHIEF MINISTER LAUNCHES AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE FESTIVAL PROGRAM AND POSTER

The links between physical activity and mood, Canberra’s connection to space science and the future of our water supply would be among the hot topics explored at this year’s Australian Science Festival, Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said today.

Launching the program and poster for the 2005 festival, Mr Stanhope said that over the past 12 years the festival had become one of the premier events in the national capital and an important means of engaging the community in scientific issues.

“Last year, 110,000 people participated in one or more of the festival’s events, including 14,000 students who came from beyond the ACT’s borders,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The festival’s economic impact was about $8.8 million. But its real impact is incalculable. Who knows how many of the sparks it ignites in Canberra’s young people will deliver the innovations that tomorrow might prolong our lives or improve its quality, feed the world’s hungry, help us reach the stars or cure disease? And who knows how many who have been captivated by something they saw at the festival will one day become the science teachers of the future, themselves lighting sparks in the students in their care?”

Mr Stanhope said this year’s program was a reminder of the extent to which science can illuminate our everyday lives.

Among the highlights will be:

• an exploration by ABC Radio National’s Julie McCrossin, and a panel of experts, including Dr Rick Kausman, of how physical activity affects fitness, weight and mood;

• a look at water resources by Associate Professor Martin Thomas from the University of Canberra; and

• a forum, featuring a NASA expert, which will look at space-related industries in Australia.